Battery Energy Calculator

Calculate battery pack energy, runtime, and power limits. Configure series-parallel cells for realistic engineering estimates. Apply losses and discharge controls before final sizing decisions.

Battery Pack Inputs

Example Data Table

Scenario Cell V Cell Ah S P DoD % Eff % Load W Usable Wh (approx)
Portable Tool Pack3.72.552809012066.6
UPS Module3.21004190943001082.9
Solar Storage Bank3.22801618595200011574.4

Values are illustrative and may differ from manufacturer discharge curves and BMS restrictions.

Formula Used

Pack Voltage (V) = Cell Voltage × Series Cells

Pack Capacity (Ah) = Cell Capacity × Parallel Cells

Nominal Energy (Wh) = Pack Voltage × Pack Capacity

Usable Energy (Wh) = Nominal Energy × (DoD/100) × (Efficiency/100) × (Temperature Factor/100)

Runtime (hours) = Usable Energy ÷ Load Power

Max Continuous Current (A) = Pack Capacity × C-Rate

Max Continuous Power (W) = Pack Voltage × Max Continuous Current

This calculator uses nominal values, so peak load and voltage sag effects are not modeled.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the nominal voltage and capacity of a single cell from the datasheet.
  2. Set the series (S) and parallel (P) configuration of your pack.
  3. Choose depth of discharge and system efficiency based on BMS and converter losses.
  4. Enter expected load power and safe C-rate for your chemistry.
  5. Adjust temperature factor when cold or hot conditions reduce usable capacity.
  6. Click Calculate Battery Energy to view results above the form.
  7. Use CSV export for records and PDF for printable documentation.

Engineering Guidance

Battery Energy Ratings In Practical Design

Battery energy is commonly expressed in watt-hours, but engineering decisions depend on usable watt-hours. Nameplate values assume ideal discharge conditions and often ignore conversion losses. During planning, teams should estimate realistic delivered energy, not theoretical storage. This calculator helps translate datasheet values into practical performance outputs for sizing studies, procurement comparisons, and documentation reviews.

Series Parallel Configuration Effects

Series connections raise pack voltage, while parallel connections raise capacity in amp-hours. Because energy equals voltage multiplied by capacity, both variables directly influence total stored energy. Voltage also affects current demand for the same load. Higher pack voltage generally lowers current, reducing conductor losses and improving efficiency in many applications. Parallel scaling improves runtime but increases balancing and packaging requirements.

Usable Energy And Runtime Planning

Runtime should be calculated from usable energy after derating. Depth of discharge protects cycle life and reserves capacity for safe operation. System efficiency accounts for inverter, converter, and wiring losses. Temperature factor addresses reduced capacity under cold or extreme operating environments. By combining these terms, the calculator generates a more reliable runtime estimate for field equipment, backup loads, and mobile engineering systems.

C Rate Limits And Output Capability

C-rate provides a quick estimate of allowable discharge current relative to battery capacity. Multiplying pack capacity by selected C-rate gives a practical current limit for early design analysis. Multiplying that current by pack voltage estimates continuous power capability. This value is useful for screening loads, checking startup requirements, and identifying whether larger parallel capacity or higher voltage architecture is needed.

Recommended Engineering Workflow

Start with verified cell voltage and cell capacity from the manufacturer datasheet. Enter series and parallel counts, then apply conservative depth of discharge and efficiency assumptions. Add expected load power and a temperature factor matching the deployment environment. Review usable energy, runtime, and output limits together rather than as isolated values. Export CSV and PDF outputs to keep calculations traceable across design revisions. For higher confidence, compare calculator outputs with test data from representative duty cycles, then update assumptions before final battery selection. This disciplined process improves reliability estimates, supports stakeholder reviews, and reduces costly redesigns during commissioning and deployment.

1) What is the difference between nominal and usable energy?

Nominal energy is the theoretical pack rating from voltage and capacity. Usable energy applies discharge limits, efficiency losses, and temperature effects, which better reflects real operating performance.

2) Why does the calculator need depth of discharge?

Depth of discharge prevents overestimating runtime. Most systems avoid using 100% of stored energy to protect battery life, improve safety margins, and meet BMS operating limits.

3) Can I use this for lithium, lead-acid, or other chemistries?

Yes, for first-pass estimates. Enter the correct cell voltage, capacity, C-rate, and realistic derating factors. Final sizing should still be verified against the specific manufacturer datasheet.

4) Does this calculator model voltage sag under heavy load?

No. It uses nominal values and simple derating assumptions. High-current behavior, transient loads, and voltage sag need detailed discharge curves or simulation for precise design validation.

5) What should I use for the temperature factor?

Use a conservative percentage based on expected ambient conditions and datasheet guidance. Cold environments often reduce capacity, so lower factors can produce more realistic runtime estimates.

6) Is the max continuous power result a guaranteed rating?

No. It is an estimate derived from pack voltage and selected C-rate. Actual continuous power depends on BMS limits, thermal performance, wiring, and the battery manufacturer’s specifications.

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Battery Capacity CalculatorBattery Power CalculatorBattery Current DrawBattery Efficiency CalculatorBattery Degradation CalculatorBattery Health CalculatorBattery Thermal CalculatorBattery Internal ResistanceBattery Load CalculatorBattery Series Parallel

Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.